As we appeal to Christ, it is worth noting that this prophecy in Isaiah is quoted in another text: Matthew 12:18-21. Prior to this re-quoting of Isaiah, Jesus performs a miracle; he heals the man with a withered hand. It’s worth noting that Jesus makes two claims before he does this miracle: 1. “Something greater than the temple is here.” and 2. Jesus is “…Lord of the Sabbath.”
Why is this detail so important? It is because miracles are not designed for wonder alone. Miracles are a sign to confirm the greater claim. For example, Moses said, “let my people go!” and the miraculous followed in succession to each declaration. Elijah, Elisha, the prophets, etc. all follow this pattern; miracles are designed to prove the validity of the Word spoken. In this case, Jesus elevates himself above the natural glory of the physical temple and describes himself as the Lord of the Law. There is a reason they were now conspiring to destroy him: He was claiming the temple they saw to be inferior to himself. And, in a wider application, he was revealing their worship of the lesser temple and exposing their hope in the law rather than THE Law Giver.
After this moment in his ministry, Matthew makes a point of describing the fulfilling of Isaiah 42 with a slight abridgment to the text, “…until he brings justice to victory; and in his name, the Gentiles will hope.” It is no coincidence that the re-quote of Isaiah 42 is nestled between the miracle here and the miracle there—the man with an infirmity, then the casting out of demons and saying, “the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matt. 12:28)_ Jesus’ words are constantly being confirmed by His miracles—as is the pattern of prophecy: Word then Miracle.
Jesus is claiming that the Kingdom has come. The King has come to plunder the world after binding the strong man, bringing His glory to the nations (Matt. 12:29)—exactly what Isaiah 42 predicts will happen. Find that hard to believe? My answer to this disbelief (including my own) is simply pointing a finger to Christ: I didn’t write this. God did. These are not my words; they are the King’s.
The man with the withered hand discovered the true temple—Jesus—who was sufficient for His need and the fulfillment of this prophecy. From there, Jesus goes on to liberate captives in bondage to the kingdom of Satan. Is this parallelism a coincidence? I think not. It’s only coincidental when we don’t read the interconnectedness of passages.
Today, some believe in a reestablishment of a literal temple and reinstitution of animal sacrifices. Much of this is due to the appeal of following blind men: Jewish interpretation. Natural and literal interpretation is what Jesus said could not hear and could not see (Mark 4:12). Jesus does not commend men for the rejection of his Light given to scripture; he calls them “blind guides,” (Matt. 15:14) when they reject what he reveals.
Today, there is a great desire to have Jewish interpretations of scripture. The problem is this: If we do not allow Jesus to be Lord of the text, then the interpretation is questionable at best. Should we really be asking blind guides to lead those that have the Light of Christ?! It is an affront to the glad tidings of the gospel when we glory in the ignorance of the blind and take their hand in rejection of Jesus! Getting excited about the Jewish people’s ignorance and rejection of their Messiah—furthering their desire for ordinances, sacrifices, and a rebuilt temple—serves to advance their rejection of Christ.
If we love the Jewish people and truly want to see the gospel advance in their midst, we must begin with truth: the most loving thing we could ever do is commend Christ—not affirm their rejection of him by aiding their hopes in shadows when Christ is the substance. It is my belief that much of Christendom has encouraged the hardness of their hearts by excitedly appealing to their idolatry and worship of ordinances rather than Christ himself. There will come a day when the gospel breaks the hardest of hearts and the dullest of interpretations.
Am I being too harsh? Consider this and believe it: Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, it is for your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” Today, many would deny the advantages that Jesus has given the Church by His Spirit—the same Spirit that was Christ’s during his earthly ministry (Isaiah 42:1). Christ said that the Kingdom had come; he expected further works to carry on while he reigns in heaven. That is good news! Consider believing what he said: it is to your advantage that he is away. Even now.
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